About Metro Waste Authority

We Know Where It Should Go

Metro Waste Authority provides answers for safe and smart waste disposal and recycling. Whether it's Garbage, Recycling, Yard Waste or Hazardous Waste or special waste, we know where it should go and have the resources to help.

Metro Waste Authority is an independent government agency comprised of 16 member communities, one county and six planning members. Established in 1969, Metro Waste Authority was designated to manage the landfill for the Polk County area after state law required all Iowa communities to properly dispose of their solid waste in a sanitary landfill. Now, Metro Waste Authority is the leader in environmental stewardship and cost-effective waste management.

Managed by an executive director and governed by a board of directors consisting of one elected official from each of its member communities, Metro Waste Authority has an annual budget of more than $40 million.

Metro Waste Authority also operates various waste reduction and recycling programs including the Curb It! recycling program. Curb It! – the most comprehensive curbside recycling program in the state – provides service to almost 145,000 households. Other programs managed by Metro Waste Authority include Compost It! yard waste collection, hazardous waste drop-offs for residents, and special waste disposal for commercial and industrial businesses.